Why Did William Win the Battle of Hastings?

This section explores the reasons why William the Conqueror won the battle of Hastings. The Battle of Hastings, fought on 14 October 1066, was one of the most significant battles in English history. The eventual victory of Duke William of Normandy over King Harold II was influenced by a variety of factors, including fortune, energy, leadership, and tactics. While the death of Harold towards the end of the battle played a pivotal role, it was not the only reason for William’s success. Let's examine the key elements that contributed to the Norman victory.

Fortune (Luck)

One of the most important factors in William's success was the role of fortune. Had the wind conditions been different, the outcome could have been quite different. Harold had anticipated that William would invade in the summer of 1066, and as a result, he had gathered a large army in the south to defend against the invasion. However, the winds were unfavourable for William, which delayed his crossing of the English Channel. This delay allowed Harold to deal with the Norwegian threat in the north at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, but it also meant that when William finally landed in Pevensey on 28 September, he did so unopposed. The same winds that had delayed William's crossing also brought Harald Hardrada's Norwegian army to England, but their arrival ultimately worked in William's favour, as it distracted Harold from the southern threat.

Furthermore, the timing of Harold’s death at the Battle of Hastings was a significant turning point. If Harold had survived, it’s possible that his forces would have been able to regroup, and the battle could have continued the following day. The death of the English king caused the Anglo-Saxon forces to lose their morale, leading to their eventual collapse.

Energy (Preparation and Mobility)

Another factor in William's victory was his superior energy and preparation. While Harold was forced to march his soldiers from the north back to the south in a matter of two weeks, covering hundreds of miles in a short period, William used the time to consolidate his position. Instead of being exhausted from long marches, William had been fortifying his position in the south of England, building castles, and raiding the surrounding countryside for food and supplies. His army was well-supplied and rested, while Harold’s men were tired and depleted from their rapid march south.

William's forces had also been able to land and establish their base at Pevensey without opposition. This allowed him to plan his strategy carefully, whereas Harold had been under pressure to move quickly and confront the Normans before they could fully establish themselves.

Leadership (Command and Morale)

Duke William’s leadership was another critical factor in his victory. He demonstrated exceptional organisational skills in maintaining the cohesion of his large army, which included soldiers from various regions and cultures. This was no small feat, especially given that his army was operating far from home in a foreign country. William was able to keep his forces united, which was essential in such a high-stakes battle.

Throughout the battle, William showed remarkable leadership in boosting the morale of his troops. As the English shield wall held strong and the Norman forces struggled to break through, it was William’s presence and commands that kept his men fighting. When rumours spread that William had been killed, it was his decision to remove his helmet and show his soldiers that he was still alive that reinvigorated his army and prevented a collapse in morale. This leadership moment ensured that the Normans remained focused and determined, even when things looked bleak.

Tactics (Military Strategy)

Finally, Duke William's military tactics played a crucial role in his victory. William had extensive battlefield experience and had fought in numerous campaigns prior to his invasion of England. He was well-versed in the art of war and had learned to adapt to different situations. One of the most decisive tactics that William employed during the Battle of Hastings was the famous feigned retreat.

This tactic involved the Norman cavalry pretending to retreat, drawing some of the English soldiers out of their defensive position. Once the English infantry pursued the "retreating" cavalry, the Normans turned around and launched a counterattack, cutting down the exposed English soldiers. This trick effectively broke the Anglo-Saxon shield wall, a formidable defence that had been holding the Normans at bay. The feigned retreat was a tactic that William's army had used before in Normandy, and it proved to be just as effective in England. By drawing the English out of their strong position and then turning the tables on them, William was able to gain the upper hand in the latter stages of the battle.

William’s cavalry was also a key element in his success. The Normans were able to use their superior cavalry to pressure the English forces, who were predominantly infantry. The mobility of the Norman cavalry allowed them to exploit weaknesses in the English lines, while the shield wall, though strong, was eventually broken through after the feigned retreat.

While the death of Harold II was certainly a crucial moment in securing the Norman victory at Hastings, it was far from the only reason for William’s success. The battle was shaped by a combination of factors: fortune, preparation, leadership, and military skill. William's ability to adapt to the changing circumstances, his use of well-practised tactics, and his leadership in maintaining morale all played a part in his victory. By maintaining a strategic and disciplined approach throughout the campaign, William was able to defeat an army that, in many ways, was superior in numbers and strength. The Battle of Hastings would forever change the course of English history, laying the foundation for the Norman Conquest of England.